Policy & Comms. News APA welcomes new Minister for Health
APA welcomes new Minister for Health |
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Australian Physiotherapy Association President Melissa Locke today welcomed the appointment of Tanya Plibersek as Minister for Health. Ms Locke looks forward to working with Minister Plibersek on the health reform agenda initiated by Minister Roxon when the Rudd Government was first elected in 2007. "Minister Roxon always articulated a keen understanding of the physiotherapy profession and the role that physiotherapists play in the Australian health care system. In particular her awareness of the critical role that physiotherapists undertake in the community as first contact professionals is to be commended," said Ms Locke. The APA believes there is a long way to go to achieve the ambitions of the landmark Health and Hospital Reform Commission Report. It is clear, however, that the steps made by Minister Roxon – such as the establishment of the Australian National Preventive Health Agency (ANPHA) and the National Partnership Agreement on Improving Public Hospital Services in particular - have created a road map for this to occur and for this she should be congratulated. Ms Locke stated: "Minister Plibersek will have her work cut out in a number of areas. In particular, primary health sector reform via the introduction of Medicare Locals is an area where physiotherapists are concerned that changes made may not deliver genuine public health outcomes. Ensuring physiotherapists and other primary care professionals truly engage in new collaborative models of patient care will be a significant challenge – but one that is vital to the success of Medicare Locals". The APA looks forward to meeting with the Minister early in the New Year to discuss ways in which physiotherapists can contribute to improving the health of the Australian community. Ms Locke acknowledges the challenges ahead, however looks forward to the APA building a similarly strong relationship to that with Minister Roxon, with the new Minister and her Department. About the APA and its membersThe Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is the peak body representing the interests of over 12 000 physiotherapists and their patients. APA members are registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia, must act in accordance with the APA Code of Conduct, are expected to use the latest research in practice and often have further and/or specialist qualifications. As first contact practitioners, a doctor's referral is not necessary to see a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists work with, educate and customise exercise programs for people affected by a wide range of conditions and symptoms. For more information: Click here to download this media release |
